A Loaded Gun In Detroit

Charles Parker Jr. was an 18 year old petty criminal in Detroit. On May 17, at about 8:40 PM, he robbed a 16 year old youth of his cellphone, silver chain and wallet. Parker used an unloaded .22 caliber handgun to frighten his prey into compliance.

At 9:30 PM, Charles Parker Jr. and friends approached a couple in their driveway attempting to car jack them. Parker inadvertently pulled the trigger of his empty weapon. Click. The suspects ran away empty handed.

A short time later, Parker and his accomplices came across a man washing his car at a car wash. Parker pointed the empty handgun at his victim. Parker's friend wielded a baseball bat. Parker's victim quickly drew a loaded 9mm handgun and shot Parker.

Parker's partners in crime took him to Sinai-Grace Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Hospital security detained the accomplices until police arrived. Four others are now in custody. All four suspects were arraigned Sunday in 36th District Court. They are each being held on a $250,000 cash bond.

After the shooting, police questioned the 53 year old man at the carwash, noting that he had a valid concealed weapons permit. Having acted in self defense, he was not arrested. His handgun was returned to him.